Grandparenting Matters

HoHum:

Today is Grandparents Day. Marian McQuade campaigned for grandparents day because she appreciated her grandparents so much. President Jimmy Carter made grandparents day a national holiday in 1978.

WBTU:

Biblical Grandparenting by Dr. Josh Mulvihill

The word grandparent occurs only 2 x in the Bible, once in OT and once in NT. 1). Moses and Aaron are speaking with Pharaoh before the plague of locusts and they say, “They will fill your houses… something neither your parents nor your ancestors (literally grandfathers) have ever seen from the day they settled in this land till now” (Exodus 10:6)

2). 2 Timothy 1:5: I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Despite the limited use of the term grandparent, the Bible has other ways of referring to grandparents. The word grandfather (in Exodus 10:6) is taken from two Hebrew words that are equivalent to the phrase “the father of his father (translated ancestor in NIV).” Grandchild is equivalent to “the son of his son.” Biblical phrases such as forefather, father’s father, God of your fathers, and children’s children, depending on the context, are referencing grandparenthood. Thus, references to grandparents are common in the Bible.

Thesis: Introduce Christian grandparenting with 3 “H” Words

For instances:

1. Heritage

The word heritage in Scripture refers to a legacy or an inheritance. Psalm 127:3 says that children are a heritage from the Lord. What is the heritage that grandparents are to pass on to their grandchildren? The one component of heritage that is specific to grandparents is the salvation of grandchildren. Inheritance language is used 65 times in the NT. Over 40 x, this terminology refers to the eternal inheritance secured for us by Christ. The story line of Scripture reminds grandparents to guard themselves from the fatal thought that grandchildren will naturally come to faith in Christ. Many of the Jewish people were guilty of this error. They believed they were participants in God’s covenant because of their family heritage as descendants of Abraham and so they were negligent to pass on their faith. Joshua 24:31- Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him. Judges 2:10- After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. May we learn from…

The Bible suggests that a grandparent’s role is to leave grandchildren with an inheritance. Proverbs 13:22 states, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children (speaking of grandchildren here).” Proverbs 19:14 says, “House and wealth are inherited from parents (fathers).” The Bible speaks of 2 ways grandparents leave an inheritance: financial possessions transferred to the coming generations; and reputation, a good name that is passed along. Not going to talk much about leaving a financial inheritance, that is up to each individual or couple. Here in the USA if no one leaves a financial inheritance to us we can survive and many times even thrive. This is the land of opportunity. In Israel one generation passed ownership of the land to the next generation. Multiple generations lived on the same piece of land. If did not have any land then one was very poor indeed. They lived off the land and the land was their inheritance. Much different in our day- “I’m spending my children’s inheritance.” Focused on passing on a good name. “A good name, is better than fine perfume” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). A good name is valuable. A grandparent’s reputation matters as it impacts future generations for good or bad. Ruth and Elmer Towns wrote this, “When a grandfather can no longer walk down a trail with his grandchildren, nor is he physically able to sit and talk with his grandchildren, when they come for a visit, what can he do? A grandfather can put his name upon them, as well as the name of the Lord, who will always be with the grandchildren.”

2. Honor

Ephesians 6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Need to bring Leviticus 19:32 here to expand on this topic: “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” In our day emphasize the immediate family but what about the extended family? In bible times there was a much wider understanding of father and mother. This 5th commandment in the 10 commandments has a bearing on the subject of grandparenthood. This is the first commandment of the 10 that talks about interpersonal relationships. The word honor means to revere, to hold in awe, to value at a high price. The implication is that grandchildren are to have an attitude of honor and respect toward grandparents all the days of their lives. Honoring grandparents is demonstrated by positive action on their behalf- meeting their needs, listening to their advice, recognizing their worth, and doing so in all sorts of ways large and small. Grandparents are honored when young people listen to their wisdom. Just as grandparents have a responsibility to invest in a grandchild’s spiritual life, grandchildren have the responsibility to honor their grandparents.